FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Curious if we can be of help? Read some of our most frequently asked questions.

What is naturopathic medicine?

What is a naturopathic doctor?

What can I expect from my first visit with Dr. Natasha?

How do I pay for a visit to a naturopathic doctor?

What conditions can naturopathic doctors treat?

Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario?

What are your fees?

Are supplements covered?

Do I have to buy your supplements?

How long until I feel better?

What services do you provide?

What is naturopathic medicine?

Naturopathic medicine starts with supporting the body in its amazing ability to heal itself. By looking at the root causes of illness rather than just the symptoms, and promoting healing through natural therapies, naturopathic medicine is a successful non-invasive way to prevent chronic illness as well as reduce reliance upon prescription medications (and all of their side effects). From diet and exercise, to understanding your body’s unique chemistry, naturopathic medicine aims you to boost your immune system, prevent and treat chronic disease and increase your overall energy level.

Naturopathic treatment draws from a number of modalities and is tailored to each individual patient. Treatments may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, physical treatments, acupuncture, lifestyle counselling, or a combination of these.

What is a naturopathic doctor?

Naturopathic doctors are provincially-regulated primary care providers. With extensive education, including a pre-med degree and four years of training at an accredited naturopathic college, NDs integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies. NDs are eclectic, each with a slightly different approach, but they all believe that balancing the mind, body and environment is the path to your best health because it supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Naturopathic doctors are also experts at early detection, prevention and treatment of chronic disease, and their personalized treatment plans work with each individual patient’s lifestyle and body chemistry.

What can I expect from my first visit with Dr. Natasha?

During the first visit, Dr. Natasha wants to get to know you as a person, what your health goals are and how you have managed your health in the past. Expect to be there for an hour to give Dr. Natasha adequate time to complete the picture. As well as performing a physical exam based on your health complaints, Dr. Natasha will also ask you about your mental, emotional and spiritual health, your diet and lifestyle, and treatments you may be receiving from other health care providers. By the end of the visit, you will receive an individualized treatment plan and may be referred for further testing.

How do I pay for a visit to a naturopathic doctor?

Currently, OHIP does not cover visits to a naturopathic doctor. However, most extended healthcare plans include naturopathic medicine, so check with your provider to see the amount of your coverage. Proactive Healthcare direct bills to Greenshield only. If you have any other plan you will need to pay at the end of your visit and submit your receipt to your extended health care provider for reimbursement.

What conditions can naturopathic doctors treat?

NDs are primary healthcare practitioners, and can treat the same conditions as a family doctor, including acute concerns and chronic health conditions. In the event that an ND is unable to treat your condition, he or she will consult or refer appropriately.

Are naturopathic doctors regulated in Ontario?

Yes. From 1925 until 2015, Ontario’s Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) were regulated under the Drugless Practitioners Act. In recent years, the focus of mainstream healthcare has shifted toward wellness and prevention. In line with this shift, and recognizing the invaluable role NDs play as primary health care practitioners, naturopathic medicine got its own piece of legislation in 2015. On July 1st, 2015, the Naturopathy Act 2007 was proclaimed and NDs became regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act. Naturopathic Doctors are regulated by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO), an arm’s length body of the government of Ontario with an independent Registrar and Council. CONO’s main responsibility is to regulate the profession of Naturopathic Medicine in the public interest. Canadian naturopathic doctors are also regulated in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Most extended insurance companies do not cover supplements. It is best to contact them to find out how your plan works.

Do I have to buy your supplements?

Dr. Natasha only recommends professional and quality assured products available only through licensed practitioners. You are not obligated to purchase them.

How long until I feel better?

Every person is unique so response to treatments will vary. I firmly believe that every step you take to live a healthier and proactive lifestyle will pay off. My goal is to help you get there in most efficient, safe and inexpensive way possible.